There was a slow start to the turnout at Ireland's polling stations this morning , and we may have figured out why.

As well as being voting day for the general election in the Republic of Ireland, February 26 also happens to be Free Breakfast Friday at McDonald's.

And when it comes to demand, it seems a free Egg McMuffin definitely trumps a ballot box – just take a look at the MENTAL queues this morning:

People love free @McDonalds #FreeBreakfastFriday pic.twitter.com/ETeVYQRgbL

— Graham Kinsella (@pimpcaddy) February 26, 2016

General Election Day and eager Irish citizens queueing out the door – to get a free breakfast muffin from McDonalds pic.twitter.com/8737xpyby6

— Aidan Fitzmaurice (@fitzmaidan) February 26, 2016

Helping out behind the tills at @McDonalds Kylemore Rd for #FreeBreakfastFriday #98FMBigBreakfast @98FM pic.twitter.com/qAWHhPhTcE

— Luke – 98FM (@FaolainLuke) February 26, 2016

Diners were treated to a free Sausage and Egg McMuffin or a Bacon and Egg McMuffin this morning until 10am at all 89 Irish McDonald's outlets.

 

Thanks for the #freebreakfastfriday

A photo posted by Paddy O'Reilly (@paddy2k) on Feb 26, 2016 at 1:40am PST

Happy days.

And a few smart souls even got their freebie as a post-voting snack:

Voting done, tick.
Free McDonalds breakfast, tick.
Liking this day so far, tick.

— Lorna Newell (@lornan55) February 26, 2016

Pretty epic day! Voting in the General Election *and* a free breakfast at McDonalds! #ge16

— Richard Bloomfield (@richbloomfield) February 26, 2016

A happy Friday indeed!